Rangers deal Gabbard back to Sox

Rangers deal Gabbard back to Sox

Even though Gabbard -- who has been pitching in the Texas Minor League system to open the year -- only spent one and a half seasons with the Rangers, he left a good impression on Rangers manager Ron Washington.

"I thought he was a competitor," Washington said. "I'm going to miss him because I like his competitive spirit. But sometimes things work out for the best and this could be the best thing for him.

"I wish him luck."

Gabbard, originally a 29th-round pick by the Red Sox in the 2000 First-Year Player Draft, surrendered eight runs (seven earned) in six innings for Triple-A Oklahoma this season. The 27-year-old, who has experience as a starter and reliever, is 9-7 with a 4.53 ERA in 34 Major League games spanning three seasons -- with 14 of those appearances coming in a Red Sox uniform.

Gabbard's name perhaps sticks out most to fans because Darren O'Day was wearing his No. 30 jersey when he gave up the game-winning hit to Blue Jays first baseman Kevin Millar on Wednesday.

Alden Gonzalez is a reporter for MLB.com. David Singh is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.